London-based private equity fund Permira is in exclusive talks with the Qatari royal family over the sale of Italian fashion house Valentino and a decision is expected by the end of the month, four sources close to the talks said.

The Qataris, who also own London’s Harrods department store, have been one of the world’s most active investors with assets ranging from stakes in German sports car maker Porsche to shares in British bank Barclays.In March, Qatar Holding bought a 1.03 per cent stake in luxury conglomerate LVMH.

A sale of the entire Permira stake in Valentino would however be the first acquisition of a top fashion house by the Qatari family, where the wife of the Emir, Sheikha Mozah, is known for loving Valentino dresses.In a statement on Monday, Valentino confirmed it was in talks with a potential buyer but did not disclose its identity.